Alberta’s 2026 wildfire season sees major drop in area burned

Alberta’s 2026 wildfire season saw a significant drop in the amount of land burned, with just under 18,000 hectares affected, which is more than 97 per cent below the five-year average.

According to provincial figures released Monday, Alberta Wildfire responded to 785 fires this year, compared to the five-year average of 996.

The province says significant rainfall and the efforts of wildfire crews helped keep the season relatively quiet. In mid-August, Alberta even went a brief period with no active wildfires for the first time in 40 years.

Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen says it was a welcome change, but wildfire season is never truly over.

Alberta also expanded its wildfire response capacity, adding two helicopters and more training, while continuing FireSmart projects to help protect communities.

The province says more than 6,200 hectares near 24 at-risk communities have received hazardous fuel treatments to reduce wildfire risk.

Although the legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31, wildfire prevention and response work continues year-round.